Tesla Motors is facing a copyright lawsuit from Chinese businessman Zhan Baosheng over the trademark of the automaker's name, according to Bloomberg. Tesla Motors had copyright issues with Baosheng before, when he trademarked the Tesla name in 2006, three years after Tesla Motors formed in the US.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Zhan is appealing that decision, and has filed a lawsuit requesting that Tesla cease operations in the country, shut its showrooms, service centers and charging facilities, and pay him $3.9 million in compensation.

Tesla says Zhan is the one attempting to steal its property, and says that the company has not yet been served with, nor seen, Zhan's latest lawsuit.

Tesla joins companies such as Apple and Burberry in being a victim of "trademark trolls", according to Hong Kong-based technology law partner Paul Haswell remarks.

These are people who watch brand development in Western nations and register their names and logos in anticipation of the brands eventually moving into Eastern markets.

The company actually contacted Zhan in 2012 with interest in buying the trademarks, for $50,000. It raised this offer sixfold in 2013, but Zhan rejected both offers.

Under Chinese law, trademark rulings become official when appeals end--so if Tesla wins its case this time around, Zhan will have to drop his case.

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